Merry Christmas Friends and Family!

This season is full of surprising gifts. One of the greatest is that Tim's son and his family are visiting us. Last night We stayed up late with Grandpa and Grandma Reed telling stories and getting to know each other. I was busy darting around the house preparing for a big feast to be held tonight in Tim Jr.s honor. We all were enjoying the evening filled with laughter and love.

The party is the biggest one I've been in charge of, but this one doesn't seem like a burden. I see the great importance of welcoming our newest found family members and each dish planned is aimed toward the goal of creating beauty.

Lately, that has been the theme in my life. Creating beauty. As I spent my time deep in chores and planning, it occurred to me how much I love to make things beautiful. To me, I am not simply cleaning my in-laws home, or creating a menu, but it has become an act of love, and to add to my happiness, I've discovered I have a gift for these details in life. It really is about the finished result creating atmosphere and ambience.

Yesterday morning, I gave my youngest step-daughter a lesson straight from my mother Linda. We went over her bedroom and I pointed out all the nooks and crannies that needed to be cleaned. I really could hear my mother's voice in my head telling me the same things years before! "Why do a job half-way? It will just have to be done again. No, you don't just swish a brush around the toliet and call it done. Look at the bottom....." The most amazing thing was that Kenna was actually recieptive and interested. She had become used to housekeepers in her childhood and had simply never learned what to do. I figured this would be a good time as any!

So the party is tonight and I am very excited to see the buffet ready. We have a long teak cabinent that was constructed especially for occasions like this. I've covered it with red burgandy velvet. I've dug out Grandma's antique crystal. The color theme of the platters and dishes is silver, white, and crystal. It will be so regal! I can't wait! The menu is: Ham, lemon chicken, roasted sweet potatoes made with molasses, green beans, rice pilaf, salad, and sweet Hawaiian rolls. a great selection of wines. I am expecting up to 30 people. I guess with that said, I realize I'd better get over there and start getting ready!

I hope all of you are having a blessed season and tonight I will think of all my friends and family that couldn't be here and hope you are all having a Merry Christmas.